Speaker Phokeer Steps Down Due to Health Reasons

In a sudden move, Sooroojdev Phokeer, the Speaker of the National Assembly, submitted his resignation this evening, July 16, citing health reasons. This was announced by the National Assembly in a statement released on same day.

Phokeer is currently hospitalized at the Cardiac Unit of Candos Hospital.

Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth visited him this afternoon and stated that the Speaker was experiencing health issues, but treatment was progressing well.

Jugnauth also mentioned that Phokeer had indicated that he may be called upon to make certain decisions in the future.

Phokeer made the decision to resign in the afternoon, July 16, effective immediately, and will no longer preside over the National Assembly.

He was appointed to his current position by the government of the Morisien Alliance, which comprises the MSM, Muvman Liberater, Plateforme Militante, and Muvman Patriote Morisien, following the 2019 legislative elections.

During his tenure as Speaker, Phokeer has faced intense criticism from the opposition, who have accused him of unfair behavior and lack of neutrality.

However, despite this, Phokeer has continued to serve as a prominent figure in Mauritian politics.

Born into a family of nine children, Phokeer’s father was a government official at the Ministry of Works.

At 73 years old, Phokeer began his career as an economics teacher at Bhujoharry College after studying there as a student.

He later pursued law studies and became a lawyer. According to the National Assembly’s website, he holds several diplomas in law, diplomacy, and management.

Phokeer joined the MSM in 1983 and was elected to Parliament in 1991 as part of the MSM-MMM alliance.

Before becoming a member of Parliament, he served as president of the Rivière-Noire district council.

In 1994, he was appointed Parliamentary Private Secretary and also served on the Public Accounts Committee.

In 2001, he was named Ambassador to Egypt with accreditation to several Arab countries.

Phokeer returned to Mauritius in 2004 to serve as a special advisor to the Ministry of Agro-industry until 2005. In 2010, he was designated as permanent representative to the African Union.

From 2015 to 2019, he served as Ambassador of Mauritius to the United States with simultaneous accreditation to Brazil, Mexico, Trinidad and Tobago, and Guyana. Between 2014 and 2019, Phokeer was High Commissioner of Mauritius to Canada based in the United States.

Phokeer was awarded the Grand Officer of the Star and Key of the Indian Ocean (GOSK) in 2016 before being elevated to Grand Commander of the Star and Key of the Indian Ocean (GCSK) in 2021 for his contributions to public service and social spheres.

Source: Defi Media